Termites

Infestations and Damage

What is a termite infestation?

Termites are social insects, meaning that they live in colonies. When termites from a colony or part of a colony are present in a structure, the structure is said to be infested. To survive, termites will need a moisture source which they obtain by going back to the ground, bringing moisture with them, or by using moisture found in the structure due to leaks, condensation, or lack of ventilation.

How does an infestation occur?

Cellulose found in wood is the food source for most termites. They feed on cellulose-based material like wood, books, boxes, furniture and drywall coverings. Infestations can occur by termites forming new colonies, and thereby spread, by winged alates. Each termite nest can release about 50,000 of these winged alates just prior to or following a period of rain. Termites can find their way into a structure by foraging for food. They can do this by building mud tubes over foundations to gain access to the wood of the structure.

What are the telltale signs of infestation?

When termites swarm and emerge within a structure it is a sign that an infestation is nearby. As termites build mud tubes to enter a building, these tubes from the structure to the ground indicate an infestation, past or present. It is best to have a professional pest control technician to inspect any potential infestation to determine if it is active.

Why are termites a threat to my home?

Termites or “white ants” are a major pest problem for property owners in Western Australia. At least 1 in every 5 residential properties is believed to be effected by this destructive pest. Termites cause more property damage in one year than damage caused by storms, floods and fires put altogether.

Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and signs of termite infestations can go undiscovered until damage is done. Termites are extremely well organised and they can find a way inside any structure, regardless of its construction. That’s why we offer advanced treatment methods for termite control and elimination.

Whatever home or property you own, let us be your line of defence against termite invasions.

Home insurance does not cover termite damage so insurance will not pay for treatment or repairs and that is why it is important to have termite treatment and an annual termite inspection to help protect your property

If you discover termites in your home.

Don’t delay and act quickly to minimise the damage. Don’t try to kill the termites yourself and certainly don’t disturb the mud trails they have built as this could cause the termites to spread out to different areas of your home.

The common signs that you have a termite problem are:

• Flying white ants/ termites known as Alates swarm in large numbers emerging from door /window frames or brick pavers and soil. After shedding their wings, paired males and females can then form a new nest.

• Damage or hollowing of timbers is very common where termites/white ants are eating away on both hard wood and soft wood flooring timbers, kitchen/ bathroom/ laundry cupboards architraves, door frames and most other timbers within a building or structure.

• Damage to stored items like boxes of papers or books stored in sub-floor or storage areas are often attacked by termites. Not only is timber a food source for termites but paper and any cellulose material is highly desirable to them as well.

• Mud tubes or dirt appearing in gaps around door jambs, skirting, flooring timbers, kitchen/ bathroom/ laundry cupboards architraves, door frames and most other timber is termite activity, however in some cases there is no visual signs of damage in the timbers which is very alarming.

The treatment methods BP Homecare Pest Management provide for termites are non-hazardous, odourless, and don’t require you to vacate the premises during or after treatment

What we offer

• Inspection: We inspect your property for termites and identify any active areas.

• Dust: Should there be termite activity in your roof void we may apply a dust powder.

• Spray: We apply a registered chemical for termite control to the following areas: interior, exterior, outbuildings, fences and garage.

Our termite treatments are safe, effective and environmentally friendly with guaranteed results which are carried out to the Australian standards in a safe, professional manner.
You don’t even need to vacate the property during or after the treatment.